C’est quoi Labor Day aux USA ?

When I was a kid, I was always interested in other cultures: their language, their food, their holidays. Maybe that’s why I thought I could teach myself Chinese at age 7 (#Fail. = #Echec).

Maybe that’s why today, I love cooking food from lots of different countries (This one, I can do!) It’s also why I truly enjoy sharing my language and business culture with you.

I was thrilled (vraiment contente) when SBFG Members Patrick and Véronique asked for some subjects on American culture and holidays.

Holidays and culture are both related to work, so it’s a great subject for SBFG. Thanks for the suggestion, guys!

Labor Day & American Culture

Even if you don’t always celebrate the same holidays as your colleagues, it’s nice to be aware of the events. It can help you avoid sticking your foot in your mouth (dire quelque chose d’embarassant) like asking “Would you like a cookie?” to a colleague you know is fasting (qui jeûne) for Ramadan. Even I sometimes forget…

It’s also just nice to know about our foreign colleagues’ culture and to share it with them. It always makes me happy (me rend heureuse) when non-American friends tell me “Happy 4th of July”, or “Happy Thanksgiving”. I try to remember to wish them “Happy Canada Day” or “Happy Diwali”.

It’s just a nice way of connecting, and human connections are so important in business relationships. Especially when we come from different cultures and different countries.

In today’s SBFG Video, you’ll learn all about Labor Day in the US.

You’ll also see why it’s not at all (pas du tout) the equivalent of “La Fête du Travail” in France or the rest of the world, for that matter… (d’ailleurs…) But I don’t have to tell you that Americans never do like everyone else 🙂 

Then, you can talk about your American colleague’s Labor Day plans for next week!

After you’ve watched the video, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

What do you think of the way Americans celebrate Labor Day?

Do you think it’s fair (juste) that some people have to work on the holiday that recognizes hard work, or should it be a day off?

Remember that practicing your English regularly is crucial for improving your level. The SBFG Blog is the best place to start discussions, ask your questions, and get more confidence in English! So share your stories with us!

Thanks so much for letting me share my culture with you, and thanks for accepting me into yours.

Have a fantastic week in English,

Christina

P.S. If you have a colleague who works with Americans or who just enjoys American culture, share this video with them. And then plan your own Labor Day barbecue 🙂